Shane Nicholas
I have a bunch of Carson stories. He was such a character that some of us began collecting “Carson-isms.” You know—sayings that could only come from someone like Bill.
For example, after I had demonstrated a particularly loud half-stack amp at the NAMM show, he sauntered up to me and said, “Son, every dog within a square mile of this place has been wormed.”
He’s also the only person I know of who had a mailbox with the red flag held on by a thumbscrew from a 1960s Bandmaster cabinet!
Bill was a great guy and an amazing guitar player. I’ve seen him totally shut down the guys at a blues jam by calling out, “B-flat, boys!” His kind of lead and chord playing is a dying art; very few people do it with all the 6ths, 13ths, etc. But it’s amazing to hear, and any guitar player can appreciate that kind of mastery.
I’ll miss Bill, and I thank him and Susan for their fine hospitality and friendship. Bless you.
Shane Nicholas
Senior Marketing Manager, Fender Amplifiers
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Joey Carducci
It was getting close to quitting time at Fender’s Brea, Calif., facility when Bill came by to visit. Must have been around 1983 or ’84. Everybody loved Bill, so when he dropped by our “inside” tele-sales department (where I worked at the time) everyone gathered ’round.
As Bill was catching up with everybody, he casually reached for a Strat® that was on a stand nearby and began to play softly. It was obvious that Bill quickly realized that the guitar was out of tune, and before his hand could reach the tuning keys, the “new guy” in our department snickered that he’d tuned the guitar to a “special” style and that he would be happy to tune the guitar back to standing tuning for Bill.
Bill held the body of the guitar up to his ear and played each string one at a time while his eyes were closed. He then said with a smile, “Oh, I know that tuning.” He then began to play the most beautiful chord melody song without retuning the guitar. And if that wasn’t enough, he began to improvise a solo melody that was so very, very cool that it caused everyone to stand in silence.
After Bill said goodnight to everyone and left the area, the “new guy” comes over to me sheepishly and asks, “Who was that guy?” All I could do was smile and say, “That, my friend, was Bill Carson.”
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Joseph Vance
I first met Mr. Carson when I worked at Morrell Music in Kingsport, Tenn. He had a wealth of musical knowledge and would share anything he knew with you just by asking. I used to love to hear him talk about his relationship with the development of the Stratocaster® and the Fender Twin®. His wife, Susan, sold me my first guitar from Taylor’s Guitars in Elizabethton, Tenn. I will miss Bill and would like to send my condolences to Susan.
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Jim Cable
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Bill and his wonderful wife, Susan, for many years. I am an airline captain for a major airline, and in the days long before 9/11 came along, a pilot use to be able to spend a few minutes outside the flight deck to stretch while the other pilot manned the controls. Having played guitar and been in numerous bands since age 12, I couldn’t help but see the baseball cap this nice gentleman was wearing in first class, with the word “Fender” written across it. Of all my guitars, my Stratocaster® is my hands-down favorite, along with my Fender amp.
Garth Brooks was also in first class that day, but something just drew me to Bill. I walked up in my uniform, leaned over and said, “I sure like your hat!” That was the beginning of a wonderful friendship that I will cherish for the rest of my life. Bill was seated next to Susan, and the three of us immediately hit it off. Of course, anyone who knows them understands how easy and interesting they are to talk to.
After our conversation, Bill said if I ever get a Nashville layover to be sure and give him a call. I told him I would, as it was one of my favorite trips. I spent my time at Gruhn’s guitar shop and listening to music all over town. Bill use to come pick me up at the hotel and we would either go driving around to music stores or head out to their house and play different guitars and amps. One time we just picked up barbeque, parked out in the country and ate in the car. That’s why I loved Bill so much. Nothing fancy needed; just pure down-to-earth, honest friendship.
I could go on, but I’ll leave room for someone else to chime in. I will simply close by saying that Bill was one of the most special people I have ever known. Sure, we’d talk about guitars, music and the like. But more often than not we would talk about life and what’s important. He was always happy to hear that I was so devoted to my young children and wife. He would always tell me how that is more important than anything. He was right. I know you’re listening Bill, and I want you to know how much you are loved, respected and missed. As you used to say—keep on pickin’.
Jim Cable
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Willie G. Moseley
I just got back from Bill’s memorial service, which was in keeping with what Bill would have wanted and would have enjoyed. It was an honor for me to work with him on his life story, and an extended memorial piece, including personal memories, is slated for next month’s Vintage Guitar Magazine.
Willie G. Moseley
Senior writer, Vintage Guitar Magazine
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